Rum-Raisin Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is one of M's favorite desserts. Rice pudding is such a comfort food. Although it is somewhat labor intensive, it is fairly easy to make since it uses basic ingredients.

Recipe adapted from http://www.abookintheoven.com/

1 1/2 C water

3/4 C arborio rice

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 C dark rum

2/3 C raisins

2 3/4 C milk

1/2 C heavy cream

1/2 C sugar

1/2 vanilla bean

note: you can use golden raisins, but they are sweeter than regular raisins, so reduce the amount of sugar a little bit so your rice pudding won't be overly sweet

... bring the water to a boil in a medium-large saucepan. add the rice and salt, cover, and reduce heat to low. cook until water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

... meanwhile, combine the rum and raisins in a small saucepan. boil, then reduce heat to simmer until the rum is almost absorbed. set aside.

... uncover the rice, add milk, cream, and sugar. scrape the seeds from the half vanilla bean and toss the bean into the pot as well.

... increase heat to medium low and cook, stirring frequently until mixture is creamy and thick, about 40 minutes. remove from heat, and stir in rum and raisins.

... serve warm, and enjoy!